Editor's note: This is the second in a series of stories looking at Humboldt County candidates.

Incumbent Linda Atkins said she believes the Eureka City Council needs to represent a variety of community voices. If reelected, Atkins said she will continue to strive to make that happen.

"Right now, we have four voices on the council that are fairly consistent," she said. "But I think there is more than one viewpoint in Eureka. I am the sole voice on the council for everyone else."

Atkins said a desire to represent all the members of her community and finish projects, like the strategic plan and ordinance update, are what prompted her to run for re-election to the 2nd Ward seat.

Atkins will face off against Humboldt State University employee Joe Bonino in the November election. Competition from a write-in candidate is not out of the question. Eureka resident Charlie Bean said he is planning to enter the race when the filing period opens Sept. 10.

Atkins said she feels prepared to take on whoever rises up to challenge her.

In 2008, Atkins edged out incumbent Polly Endert on a platform of advocating for local business and increased public safety, pedestrian safety and transparency. She said she believes she has stuck to that platform during her time on the council and that her goals have not changed.

"I am still interested in looking at ways to keep our neighborhoods safe, foster good relations between our police force and the community and find ways to create realistic jobs in the immediate future," she said.

Atkins said she is frustrated by the perception that she is against the development of the Marina Center, a proposed mixed-use development on the Balloon Track property in Eureka.

"I think there is a small group that would like to characterize me as being against the Marina Center, but I will just let my record speak for me that I am not," she said. "If it is something the voters want, then I am with them."

When it comes to promoting local jobs, Atkins said, she is especially proud of her role in attaining matching funds from the federal government for the creation of the Fisherman's Terminal Building.

Sylvia Scott, a retired 11-year Eureka resident who worked on Atkins' 2008 campaign, said the councilwoman has gone above and beyond her original campaign promises to make Eureka a better city.

"She understands that business is important, but she also understands that we have to have living-wage jobs, that we have to clean up our city and do something about crime," she said. "I think Linda helps keep that all in focus for the rest of the council."

One of the concrete ways Atkins has helped Eureka was her push to turn the vacant lot at the corners of California and 15th streets into a community garden in 2009, Scott said. The Unity Garden not only benefits low-income families, but also provides a secure place for children and seniors to exercise and socialize, Scott said.

"If it wasn't for Linda, we wouldn't have that garden on the corner. It's just one example of her following through and getting things done," she said.

Lorraine Parnell, Atkins' campaign manager and sister, said she is confident Atkins will be stiff competition for any challenger.

"I think we need at least one progressive voice on the council," Parnell said. "She represents a lot of people in Eureka, and you can tell just by watching meetings that she does her homework on the issues and keeps involved."

Atkins serves as chairwoman of two boards, the Humboldt Transit Authority and the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee, and she is vice chairwoman of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority. She is also a member of the Eureka Progressive Democratic Club.

Atkins said she is ready to dive into her campaign, but is a little worried that her opponent's pockets might be deeper than her own.

"When you have unlimited funds, it is easy to put on a good campaign, regardless of your message," she said. "Looking at my opponent, I see him as being brought in to silence the one independent voice on the council. I am going to work my hardest to keep that voice alive."